'''Test for gum disease
Q:''' Is there a test I can do to check for gum disease and mouth bacteria?
A: Run some dental floss in between your back teeth and smell it. Alternatively, lick the back of your hand and wait for it to dry before smelling your saliva.
'A faint smell is normal, but if the smell is quite putrid you may have a problem with gum disease or bacteria and may need to floss more regularly,' Chairman of the Australian Dental Association's Oral Health Committee Dr Derek Lewis says.
Other signs of bacteria are bleeding gums. If you have the odd bleeding gum (often caused by pregnancy, menstruation or other hormonal changes) make sure you brush the bleeding spot where bacteria is trapped, rather than ignore it.
'And most importantly floss, don't just brush,' he says. 'If bleeding is persistent see your dentist.'
0 Comments